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Welcome to my thread reviewing parks. All types will be included. All cities will be included. I’ll post a nice picture of each one.
St James’s Park, London:
Has a nice view from the bridge over the lake. Conveniently located. I‘m partial to it for sentimental reasons. Unfortunately, it is over-touristed. No real escapist areas. Nice variety of flowers and other lakeside pleasantries in a small area, though.
Has a nice view from the bridge over the lake. Conveniently located. I‘m partial to it for sentimental reasons. Unfortunately, it is over-touristed. No real escapist areas. Nice variety of flowers and other lakeside pleasantries in a small area, though.
Green Park, London:
The west half of the park is a nice mix of shady spots and little clearings. The Broad Walk (below) is pretty but not exactly original. The eastern half of the park is a bit crowded with all the people renting deckchairs and the station entrance. Overall ok.
The west half of the park is a nice mix of shady spots and little clearings. The Broad Walk (below) is pretty but not exactly original. The eastern half of the park is a bit crowded with all the people renting deckchairs and the station entrance. Overall ok.
Hyde Park, London:
I have to say I find it a bit boring? It's mainly just open space, with a big lake in the middle. I don't think it has very much charm compared to other London parks. Nice place to sit in a big group though.
I have to say I find it a bit boring? It's mainly just open space, with a big lake in the middle. I don't think it has very much charm compared to other London parks. Nice place to sit in a big group though.
Kensington Gardens, London:
Not strictly part of Hyde Park but often considered its western half. Much more like it. Lovely rows of trees, shady spots, grand walks and vistas. Can get a bit crowded, but it's large enough to never really be a problem. Gets two thumbs up.
Not strictly part of Hyde Park but often considered its western half. Much more like it. Lovely rows of trees, shady spots, grand walks and vistas. Can get a bit crowded, but it's large enough to never really be a problem. Gets two thumbs up.
Holland Park, London:
Overrated. All it has going for it is the nice Kyoto garden (very pretty, to be fair). But compared to other London parks outside the centre, it's a bit small and has no other particularly redeeming features.
Overrated. All it has going for it is the nice Kyoto garden (very pretty, to be fair). But compared to other London parks outside the centre, it's a bit small and has no other particularly redeeming features.
Battersea Park, London:
Incredibly this is the only major riverside London Park, and it's a stunner. Firstly, it has mini golf. It also has a very pretty lake, and a pagoda. While the running track reminds of school sports day, it's perfectly nice. And the Thames is right there!
Incredibly this is the only major riverside London Park, and it's a stunner. Firstly, it has mini golf. It also has a very pretty lake, and a pagoda. While the running track reminds of school sports day, it's perfectly nice. And the Thames is right there!
Richmond Park, London:
Absolutely humongous but so so beautiful. Really more of a nature reserve than a park - has herds of deer and the pristine Isabella Plantation. A fantastic place to cycle. Sort of hard to get to but absolutely worth the trip.
Absolutely humongous but so so beautiful. Really more of a nature reserve than a park - has herds of deer and the pristine Isabella Plantation. A fantastic place to cycle. Sort of hard to get to but absolutely worth the trip.
Clapham Common, London:
Quite nice, although rather one-dimensional. Just a big field isn't it. Still, a lovely respite from the busy local high street.
Quite nice, although rather one-dimensional. Just a big field isn't it. Still, a lovely respite from the busy local high street.
Brockwell Park, London:
Like Clapham Common but better. Less traffic, better skyline views, + a lido and a nice sweeping hill. Still rather plain, but nice.
Like Clapham Common but better. Less traffic, better skyline views, + a lido and a nice sweeping hill. Still rather plain, but nice.
Crystal Palace Park, London:
Sorry what other park has giant dinosaurs. Nothing else to say.
Sorry what other park has giant dinosaurs. Nothing else to say.
Victoria Tower Gardens, London:
A cute little green space behind Westminster. Rather overshadowed by St James's Park, but has riverside views and an unbeatable view of the Houses of Parliament. Very small though - 'park' is pushing it.
A cute little green space behind Westminster. Rather overshadowed by St James's Park, but has riverside views and an unbeatable view of the Houses of Parliament. Very small though - 'park' is pushing it.
Greenwich Park, London:
An absolute gem! Amazing views, cool museums dotted around it. Not too hard to get to. Their pond is slightly disappointing, but not an issue as the rest of the park more than makes up for it. Can't wait to go again.
An absolute gem! Amazing views, cool museums dotted around it. Not too hard to get to. Their pond is slightly disappointing, but not an issue as the rest of the park more than makes up for it. Can't wait to go again.
Mile End Park, London:
Has much more of an urban feel than most London parks, which took some getting used to. Not very escapist. However, its nice linear shape makes it good for long walk & talks ( @8nanya). Good views of Canary Wharf.
Has much more of an urban feel than most London parks, which took some getting used to. Not very escapist. However, its nice linear shape makes it good for long walk & talks ( @8nanya). Good views of Canary Wharf.
Highbury Fields, London:
Flat and plain. Surrounded by very nice houses, though. Has a very long slide though, so nice for kids.
Flat and plain. Surrounded by very nice houses, though. Has a very long slide though, so nice for kids.
Victoria Park, London:
Beloved but again I believe overrated. Also has some nice slides, and has two fantastic lakes, but to me it is just Battersea Park with a road in the middle, and without the river views.
Beloved but again I believe overrated. Also has some nice slides, and has two fantastic lakes, but to me it is just Battersea Park with a road in the middle, and without the river views.
Olympic Park, London:
Is this really a park? It's quite nice, but it's mostly concrete with some green spaces by the Lea. OK.
Is this really a park? It's quite nice, but it's mostly concrete with some green spaces by the Lea. OK.
Paddington Rec, London:
Very boring. Flat, and not very big. Just people playing football. I'll pass.
Very boring. Flat, and not very big. Just people playing football. I'll pass.
Queen's Park, London:
Not Bad. Has some nice open spaces to sit, a pitch & putt course, and a 'woodland walk' at the back. Quite small, but has a lot of variety.
Not Bad. Has some nice open spaces to sit, a pitch & putt course, and a 'woodland walk' at the back. Quite small, but has a lot of variety.
Regent's Park, London:
Lovely! Pretty big & has good variety, with nice flower beds, rentable pedalos on the lake, and a large open space on the north side. Also a zoo. Flat, but has so much to see that that's not really an issue. Plus a pretty Japanese garden.
Lovely! Pretty big & has good variety, with nice flower beds, rentable pedalos on the lake, and a large open space on the north side. Also a zoo. Flat, but has so much to see that that's not really an issue. Plus a pretty Japanese garden.
Primrose Hill, London:
The best view of London (sorry @benedictmee we will have to differ on this one). You only come here for the view, so there's not much to it, but on the other side of the hill there are a few cute shady spots. Skyline is unbeatable though.
The best view of London (sorry @benedictmee we will have to differ on this one). You only come here for the view, so there's not much to it, but on the other side of the hill there are a few cute shady spots. Skyline is unbeatable though.
Waterlow Park, London:
Nice and hilly. Not super varied - the ponds are a bit disappointing tbh. But has a few nice hill gardens. Gets a seal of approval overall.
Nice and hilly. Not super varied - the ponds are a bit disappointing tbh. But has a few nice hill gardens. Gets a seal of approval overall.
Hampstead Heath, London:
Not being biased at all here. My favourite park in London. Fabulous mix of meadows, woods, stately homes & gardens, and has fantastic skyline views. Best terrain of any London park. Has hidden little spots you'd never know exist. Can't beat it!
Not being biased at all here. My favourite park in London. Fabulous mix of meadows, woods, stately homes & gardens, and has fantastic skyline views. Best terrain of any London park. Has hidden little spots you'd never know exist. Can't beat it!
Holyrood Park, Edinburgh:
The best views from any park anywhere. Wonderfully wild, yet very easy to get to and very very big!
The best views from any park anywhere. Wonderfully wild, yet very easy to get to and very very big!
Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh:
I have to say this isn't my favourite. The views are amazing but the park is sort of awkwardly sandwiched between the castle and and the New Town. Doesn't really feel very escapist whatsoever.
I have to say this isn't my favourite. The views are amazing but the park is sort of awkwardly sandwiched between the castle and and the New Town. Doesn't really feel very escapist whatsoever.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh:
Too many buildings and monuments and not enough park. But does have a great view. Still feels too much like a tourist attraction though.
Too many buildings and monuments and not enough park. But does have a great view. Still feels too much like a tourist attraction though.
Jephson Gardens, Royal Leamington Spa:
Lovely flowers and a nice river view. Quite small but so is the town. Very quaint.
Lovely flowers and a nice river view. Quite small but so is the town. Very quaint.
Port Meadow, Oxford:
Lovely riverside views. Extremely tranquil. Vast. Unbelievably flat (to the point of slightly uninteresting), but it does flood, so that's quite cool. Seems like a nice place for a picnic.
Lovely riverside views. Extremely tranquil. Vast. Unbelievably flat (to the point of slightly uninteresting), but it does flood, so that's quite cool. Seems like a nice place for a picnic.
University Parks, Oxford:
Has a nice pond and a really amazing variety of trees. The grass is cut a bit short for my liking, but in sum it's a lovely park.
Has a nice pond and a really amazing variety of trees. The grass is cut a bit short for my liking, but in sum it's a lovely park.
Christ Church Meadow, Oxford:
Again quite flat, but my sentimental reasons for liking it are enough to overcome that. Cows are a nice touch. Can get rather old going around the outside path again & again, but the part that wends by the Cherwell is divine.
Again quite flat, but my sentimental reasons for liking it are enough to overcome that. Cows are a nice touch. Can get rather old going around the outside path again & again, but the part that wends by the Cherwell is divine.
Jardin de Tuileries, Paris:
In an unbeatable location, but a bit too manicured for my tastes. Fabulous flower beds, but not enough long grass to just relax in. Has its pros and cons.
In an unbeatable location, but a bit too manicured for my tastes. Fabulous flower beds, but not enough long grass to just relax in. Has its pros and cons.
Jardin de la Nouvelle France, Paris:
A cool little multi-levelled garden not far from the Champs-Élysées. Not much to it, but sort of unique nonetheless.
A cool little multi-levelled garden not far from the Champs-Élysées. Not much to it, but sort of unique nonetheless.
Champ de Mars, Paris:
Not really a fan. North part is ridiculously crowded from all the Eiffel Tower tourists, and the south part is a bit bland. Has fantastic vistas along its length though.
Not really a fan. North part is ridiculously crowded from all the Eiffel Tower tourists, and the south part is a bit bland. Has fantastic vistas along its length though.
Tiergarten, Berlin:
A very cool, densely forested park in the middle of the city. Unfortunately has hideous roads running through it, meeting right in the middle at a truly horrendous roundabout. Has a fantastic tower with this view, though. Mixed overall.
A very cool, densely forested park in the middle of the city. Unfortunately has hideous roads running through it, meeting right in the middle at a truly horrendous roundabout. Has a fantastic tower with this view, though. Mixed overall.
Viktoriapark, Berlin:
A waterfall! Good views over the rest of the city. Not enough open space, but the views from the paths make up for it. A good urban park!
A waterfall! Good views over the rest of the city. Not enough open space, but the views from the paths make up for it. A good urban park!
Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin:
The old Nazi airport is now a one-of-a kind public park. It's flat, there's nothing to see, but it was an airport and that is insanely cool.
The old Nazi airport is now a one-of-a kind public park. It's flat, there's nothing to see, but it was an airport and that is insanely cool.
Petřín Gardens, Prague:
Lovely park with amazing views in Prague. Nice and hilly, a good mix of open land and forested sections. Really great!
Lovely park with amazing views in Prague. Nice and hilly, a good mix of open land and forested sections. Really great!
Schönbrunn Park, Vienna:
Beautifully manicured gardens around a stunning palace. Not the best grass to sit on but stunning overall nonetheless.
Beautifully manicured gardens around a stunning palace. Not the best grass to sit on but stunning overall nonetheless.
Belvedere Garden, Vienna:
Similar to the above, slightly smaller but closer to the city. V pretty.
Similar to the above, slightly smaller but closer to the city. V pretty.
Volksgarten, Vienna:
Sort of a theme amongst Viennese parks here - lovely to gaze at but a bit too manicured for me...
Sort of a theme amongst Viennese parks here - lovely to gaze at but a bit too manicured for me...
Burggarten, Vienna:
This one has a cool greenhouse at the top and is a bit better to sit in. Kudos from me.
This one has a cool greenhouse at the top and is a bit better to sit in. Kudos from me.
Margaret Island, Budapest:
This one is great. It's an island! Can rent bikes and go around the outside, has some interesting ruins as well as a 'musical fountain' (bit cringey but ok) and nice flower beds.
This one is great. It's an island! Can rent bikes and go around the outside, has some interesting ruins as well as a 'musical fountain' (bit cringey but ok) and nice flower beds.
Gellert Hill, Budapest:
Really great view from this one. Not much in the way of park unfortunately - the top is occupied by a rather large citadel, but the sides have some interesting woodland.
Really great view from this one. Not much in the way of park unfortunately - the top is occupied by a rather large citadel, but the sides have some interesting woodland.
City Park, Budapest:
This one is fab! The park itself is pretty uneventful, but there are cool attractions dotted throughout - such as this castle, as well as thermal baths. Can be a bit crowded but hey ho.
This one is fab! The park itself is pretty uneventful, but there are cool attractions dotted throughout - such as this castle, as well as thermal baths. Can be a bit crowded but hey ho.
Park Sanssouci, Postdam:
The best of the "palace parks". It's vast so has plenty of fantastic places to sit in, and lovely spots (as pictured). Pretty much the only downside is it's really hard to get to - but otherwise an absolute star!
The best of the "palace parks". It's vast so has plenty of fantastic places to sit in, and lovely spots (as pictured). Pretty much the only downside is it's really hard to get to - but otherwise an absolute star!
Orto de Pecci, Siena:
A nice place to sit and read. In a sort of cool location at the bottom of a bowl beneath the town, so the view up is good (as shown). But the park itself isn't interesting - flat and featureless.
A nice place to sit and read. In a sort of cool location at the bottom of a bowl beneath the town, so the view up is good (as shown). But the park itself isn't interesting - flat and featureless.
Parco del Colle Oppio, Rome:
It's right in the heart of everything, but it's a bit sparse and not very wild - this isn't really my style of park.
It's right in the heart of everything, but it's a bit sparse and not very wild - this isn't really my style of park.
Villa Borghese, Rome:
Home to a famous art gallery, but the park again is rather sparse and also a little dusty. Nice shade, but sort of boring. Does have a lake.
Home to a famous art gallery, but the park again is rather sparse and also a little dusty. Nice shade, but sort of boring. Does have a lake.
Barrakka Gardens, Valletta:
Too landscaped. Cool views of the harbour from up high but, as a garden, too formal for my tastes.
Too landscaped. Cool views of the harbour from up high but, as a garden, too formal for my tastes.
Shek O Country Park, Hong Kong:
Really just a bunch of trails, but the views are amazing.
Really just a bunch of trails, but the views are amazing.
Victoria Peak, Hong Kong:
Same goes for the Peak (idk if this is really a park, but i'll go with it).
Same goes for the Peak (idk if this is really a park, but i'll go with it).
Guia Municipal Park, Macau:
Ehhh. Not much going for it. Nice views, but mainly just some steps and some hillsides.
Ehhh. Not much going for it. Nice views, but mainly just some steps and some hillsides.
Boston Common, Boston:
A nice city park. Good places to sit and memorials/statues abound. Very central. Not much exceptional about it, though. Sort of boring at the same time.
A nice city park. Good places to sit and memorials/statues abound. Very central. Not much exceptional about it, though. Sort of boring at the same time.
Boston Public Garden, Boston:
Lovely! Great gardens and winding paths - very escapist. A fantastic lake right in the middle. Right in the centre of the city too - really great.
Lovely! Great gardens and winding paths - very escapist. A fantastic lake right in the middle. Right in the centre of the city too - really great.
Charles River Esplanade, Boston:
A nice riverside green space (partly on an island). Not super interesting and mostly just a path but good views.
A nice riverside green space (partly on an island). Not super interesting and mostly just a path but good views.
Central Park, New York:
The most famous park in the world. It has pretty much everything - lakes, meadows, forests, views, etc. Only complaint really, is that it's a bit overrated probably because it's the only real park in Manhattan. Has roads cutting through it, but no matter.
The most famous park in the world. It has pretty much everything - lakes, meadows, forests, views, etc. Only complaint really, is that it's a bit overrated probably because it's the only real park in Manhattan. Has roads cutting through it, but no matter.
Bryant Park, New York:
I think calling this a 'park' is a bit of a stretch. It's a lovely square though and has the nicest public toilets you'll ever use in your life.
I think calling this a 'park' is a bit of a stretch. It's a lovely square though and has the nicest public toilets you'll ever use in your life.
Washington Square Park, New York:
It's hideously crowded, mostly made of concrete, and has very little redeeming features other than this nice arch. Don't get the hype.
It's hideously crowded, mostly made of concrete, and has very little redeeming features other than this nice arch. Don't get the hype.
Battery Park, New York:
Quite nice actually! A bit sandwiched between the downtown and the water, but has good views of both, and isn't super crowded (though tourist groups off to the Statue of Liberty are annoying).
Quite nice actually! A bit sandwiched between the downtown and the water, but has good views of both, and isn't super crowded (though tourist groups off to the Statue of Liberty are annoying).
Northerly Island, Chicago:
Cool man-made island park south of Museum Campus with great skyline views. Only problem is you never really would go there - right at the edge of the city.
Cool man-made island park south of Museum Campus with great skyline views. Only problem is you never really would go there - right at the edge of the city.
Grant Park, Chicago:
Criscrossed by so many roads it's not even worth it. It's just an event space anyway. There are nice corners, but I'm not really a fan.
Criscrossed by so many roads it's not even worth it. It's just an event space anyway. There are nice corners, but I'm not really a fan.
Millennium Park, Chicago:
An absolutely great tourist attraction and an absolutely awful park. Everyone comes to visit the stupid Bean. The outdoor concerts are great, but it's not really a park in the true sense of the word. So hard to judge.
An absolutely great tourist attraction and an absolutely awful park. Everyone comes to visit the stupid Bean. The outdoor concerts are great, but it's not really a park in the true sense of the word. So hard to judge.
Ward Park, Chicago:
A cute little family park next to the Chicago River. A nice slope downwards towards the water. It's not trying to be much, which is why I like it so much. Lovely place.
A cute little family park next to the Chicago River. A nice slope downwards towards the water. It's not trying to be much, which is why I like it so much. Lovely place.
Lincoln Park, Chicago:
A really varied park! Crossed by too many roads, but has fantastic views of the city and the lake, a great free zoo, gardens, ponds, etc. My favourite park in Chicago.
A really varied park! Crossed by too many roads, but has fantastic views of the city and the lake, a great free zoo, gardens, ponds, etc. My favourite park in Chicago.
The Lakefill, Evanston:
A cool park, part of Northwestern University, with spectacular views downtown. Very green - the lakefill itself has a great aqua colour too!
A cool park, part of Northwestern University, with spectacular views downtown. Very green - the lakefill itself has a great aqua colour too!
Kerry Park, Seattle:
If it's sunny out, the views are unbeatable. If not, the park is not very interesting. All about the view.
If it's sunny out, the views are unbeatable. If not, the park is not very interesting. All about the view.
Bernal Heights Park, San Francisco:
Fantastic views over the city. Not much more than a big mound, but really cool.
Fantastic views over the city. Not much more than a big mound, but really cool.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco:
Comparable to NYC's Central Park. Both great - GG Park is a little less crowded, but is the same sort of deal - long, many different parts, lots to see.
Comparable to NYC's Central Park. Both great - GG Park is a little less crowded, but is the same sort of deal - long, many different parts, lots to see.
Land's End, San Francisco:
Again not really a park, more just a long trail. But the views are insane.
Again not really a park, more just a long trail. But the views are insane.
The Presidio, San Francisco:
A great park with so many different sections - clifftop views to beaches (Crissy Field pictured below). Quite developed as it as an ex-army fort, so not very wildernessy - but it's so beautiful you don't care.
A great park with so many different sections - clifftop views to beaches (Crissy Field pictured below). Quite developed as it as an ex-army fort, so not very wildernessy - but it's so beautiful you don't care.
Dolores Park, San Francisco:
Fab views of downtown, on an absolutely lovely hill. Was a total surprise to me - probably why I like it so much. The Primrose Hill of SF.
Fab views of downtown, on an absolutely lovely hill. Was a total surprise to me - probably why I like it so much. The Primrose Hill of SF.
Old Town Park, San Diego:
A tourist attraction (though quite a nice one). Has a nice non-touristy bit on top of the hill. Meh.
A tourist attraction (though quite a nice one). Has a nice non-touristy bit on top of the hill. Meh.
Balboa Park, San Diego:
The architecture of all the buildings in it is super cool, and so are the museums. But as parks go it is pretty eh. Not very parky. Amazing zoo though.
The architecture of all the buildings in it is super cool, and so are the museums. But as parks go it is pretty eh. Not very parky. Amazing zoo though.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, San Diego:
My last park and possibly my favourite. Jaw-dropping ocean views. Awesome cliffs. A sheltered beach to sit on. Great trails. Feels very escapist. Fantastic.
My last park and possibly my favourite. Jaw-dropping ocean views. Awesome cliffs. A sheltered beach to sit on. Great trails. Feels very escapist. Fantastic.
Thank you for indulging in all this! And thank you to a variety of websites (mostly google images) for providing most of the photos (I took a few)!
But wait there’s more! I’ve forgotten a few and I’ll add more to the list as I visit them:
Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham WA:
Not a typical park - very wild and rugged. Not great for sitting & relaxing in but has fantastic rivers and bridges to walk around. Very unusual!
Not a typical park - very wild and rugged. Not great for sitting & relaxing in but has fantastic rivers and bridges to walk around. Very unusual!
Rainbow Park, Whistler:
A cool grassy open space in Whistler with an incredible view. Not very urban, but has good cycling trails and a nice lakeside beach.
A cool grassy open space in Whistler with an incredible view. Not very urban, but has good cycling trails and a nice lakeside beach.
Lynn Canyon Park, Vancouver:
A very forested area with waterfalls and a suspension bridge. Unfortunately, no place to really sit, and a bit of a tourist attraction. Cool though.
A very forested area with waterfalls and a suspension bridge. Unfortunately, no place to really sit, and a bit of a tourist attraction. Cool though.
Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver:
Essentially a hilly version of Regent’s Park with great views over the city. The landscaped parts are very pretty and multi-levelled, so that overcomes my general dislike of manicuring.
Essentially a hilly version of Regent’s Park with great views over the city. The landscaped parts are very pretty and multi-levelled, so that overcomes my general dislike of manicuring.
Stanley Park, Vancouver:
Probably the best city centre park in the world. Wonderful views over to the mountains, fantastic seaside bike paths, forests, open spaces to sit. Has a big road through the middle but the thick forest obscures the noise so not really an issue. Fabulous!
Probably the best city centre park in the world. Wonderful views over to the mountains, fantastic seaside bike paths, forests, open spaces to sit. Has a big road through the middle but the thick forest obscures the noise so not really an issue. Fabulous!
Queen's Wood & Highgate Wood, London:
A beautiful old forest on the back slopes of Highgate Hill. Like the woods on the Heath though, so not too much originality. Still, some lovely trails I'd never explored before.
A beautiful old forest on the back slopes of Highgate Hill. Like the woods on the Heath though, so not too much originality. Still, some lovely trails I'd never explored before.
Finsbury Park, London:
Not very exciting. A totally unremarkable public park. Nothing really wrong with it though, and close to Victoria line (always good).
Not very exciting. A totally unremarkable public park. Nothing really wrong with it though, and close to Victoria line (always good).
